Jim Tracy talks about Jamie Moyer, gives thumbs up to Wilin Rosario

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Two of the biggest decisions facing Rockies manager Jim Tracy — committing to Jamie Moyer as the fifth starter, and deciding whether to put catcher Wilin Rosario on the 25-man roster — are close to being decided.

Regarding Moyer, it certainly appears he’s going to make the rotation, as long as his 49-year-old body continues to hold up. Tracy said he’s eager to see how Moyer responds tomorrow after a 89-pitch outing today. Moyer wasn’t sharp today against the White Sox (three runs on seven hits in four innings), but he hung tough.

“He hung in there and got some big outs,” Tracy said.

“He certainly didn’t hurt himself in my eyes. There are no issues with Jamie’s arm. Zero. Jamie Moyer’s body, and how he feels, how his legs bounce back, those are all important aspects. You ask the question, can he bounce back five days later? We want to feel like we are answering all the questions we possible can to be able to answer those questions.”

Regarding Rosario — who went 3-for-3 today, increasing his spring average to a sizzling .471 — Tracy said: “Does he have a good chance to make this club? Yes, he has a very good chance to make this club.”

Tracy praised not only Rosario’s offense, but said his catching skills have improved dramatically since the beginning of camp.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.